Delhi and parts of NCR were lashed with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms overnight on Sunday. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhiites can expect more rainfall for the next two days. The rain is likely to bring down both the maximum and minimum temperatures in Delhi this week, making the weather cooler.
IMD issues orange, yellow alerts in Delhi-NCR
Nearby cities like Ghaziabad and Noida were placed under a yellow alert, while Gurugram was under an orange alert at the same time. According to the IMD, around 1:20 am on Monday, the orange alert for Delhi was in place until 3:42 am, and for Gurugram, it remained effective until 2:08 am. For Ghaziabad and Noida, yellow alerts were in place till 1:55 am.
IMD weather prediction for Delhi
Residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) can expect to continue seeing the change in weather from Monday as a strong western disturbance is moving across northwest India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for light to moderate rain over the next two days, that is Oct 6 and 7.
The weather office said that several parts of the city are likely to see short spells of rain and cloudy skies, which may bring some relief from the recent dry conditions and pollution. However, people are advised to stay alert and plan their travel carefully as showers could lead to waterlogging and traffic delays in some areas.
After the rain, cold northwesterly winds are expected to sweep through the region, leading to a noticeable drop in the minimum temperature from Wednesday onwards. This marks the early arrival of the post-monsoon chill that usually sets in around mid-October.
Meteorologists say the change could make mornings and nights cooler, offering residents a hint of the upcoming winter. Overall, Delhi-NCR is set to experience a refreshing shift in weather this week, with rain first — and a cool breeze to follow.
On Sunday, the maximum temperature was 34.1°C, which is normal for this time of year. It is expected to drop to about 28°C on Monday. The minimum temperature was 24.2°C, around two degrees above normal, but it may fall to nearly 20°C by Wednesday as cool northwesterly winds return
October rainfall in Delhi already 3X times the monthly average
It’s only the first week of October, but Delhi has already received more than three times its usual rainfall for the month. Safdarjung, the city’s main weather station, has recorded 51.8 mm of rain so far — compared to the normal average of 15.1 mm. Last year, Delhi saw no rain at all in October. With more showers expected on Monday and Tuesday, this month’s total could reach close to 100 mm.
This trend of heavy rainfall has continued through the year. May was the wettest ever, with 186.4 mm of rain — six times the normal amount. June saw 107.1 mm, about 45% above average, while July received 259.3 mm, around 24% more than usual. August broke a 15-year record with 400.1 mm of rain, 72% above normal. Even September recorded 136.1 mm, slightly higher than the average.
Interestingly, the monsoon withdrew early this year, on September 24 — the earliest since 2002. Last year, it retreated on October 2. Despite the early withdrawal, Delhi continues to stay unusually wet, with October turning out to be yet another rain-soaked month.